New Delhi [India], January 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Parakram Diwas programme in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands via videoconferencing today and said that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was not only a great hero of the freedom struggle but also a visionary of independent India.
He said that the inspiration of Parakram Diwas will continue to strengthen India's resolve for speedy development.
PM Modi also took a veiled dig at Congress and said after independence, the country's achievements were meant to be celebrated by people but leaders at that time "were plagued by insecurity" and sought to attribute the credit for freedom "solely to one family".
He said that January 23 is the glorious date of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's birth anniversary.
He remarked that Netaji's valour and courage inspire and fill people with reverence for him.
PM Modi said that in recent years, Parakram Diwas has become an integral festival of the nation's spirit.
He said it is a coincidence that January 23 is Parakram Diwas, January 25 is National Voters' Day, January 26 is Republic Day, January 29 is Beating Retreat, and January 30 is the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
He extended greetings to all citizens on Parakram Diwas.
Noting that in 2026, the main celebration of Parakram Diwas is being held in Andaman and Nicobar, PM Modi highlighted that the history of Andaman and Nicobar and said it is filled with valour, sacrifice, and courage.
The stories of patriots like Veer Savarkar in the Cellular Jail, and its connection with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose make this celebration even more special, he said.
The Prime Minister remarked that the land of Andaman symbolizes the belief that the idea of freedom never ends.
He said that many revolutionaries were tortured here and many fighters sacrificed their lives, but instead of extinguishing, the spark of the freedom struggle grew stronger.
He stated that as a result, the land of Andaman and Nicobar became witness to the first sunrise of free India. He recalled that even before 1947, on December 30, 1943, the Tricolour was hoisted here with the waves of the ocean as witness. The Prime Minister recalled that in 2018, when the 75th anniversary of this great event was observed, he had the privilege of hoisting the Tricolor at the same place on December 30.
The Prime Minister remarked that as the national anthem played by the ocean shore, the Tricolor fluttering in strong winds seemed to show that countless dreams of freedom fighters had come true.
He stated that after independence, the glorious history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands should have been preserved, but at that time those who came to power carried a sense of insecurity.
"After independence, the history of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and its achievements were meant to be celebrated and cherished with pride. However, the leaders in government at that time were plagued by insecurity. They sought to attribute the credit for our freedom solely to one family. As a result of this political self-interest, much of the country's rich history was neglected. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands continued to bear the names of British officers, symbolising this disregard. To correct this historical injustice, we have now taken steps to restore the dignity of our past," he said.
He highlighted that Andaman and Nicobar were left tied to the identity of colonial rule, with its islands still known by the names of British officers even seventy years after independence.
The Prime Minister said that his government ended this injustice of history Port Blair has now become 'Shri Vijaypuram', a name that reminds us of Netaji's victory.
He added that similarly, other islands were renamed as Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, and Subhash Dweep.
The Prime Minister recalled that in 2023, 21 islands of Andaman were named after 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees. He emphasized that today, names linked to slavery are being erased in Andaman and Nicobar, and the new names of free India are establishing their identity.
He said Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was not only a great hero of the freedom struggle but also a visionary of independent India. He envisioned a nation modern in form yet rooted in India's ancient consciousness.
"It is our responsibility to acquaint today's generation with Netaji's vision," and expressed happiness that his government is fulfilling this responsibility.
He highlighted that a museum dedicated to Netaji has been built at the Red Fort in Delhi, a grand statue of Netaji has been installed near India Gate, and the contribution of the INA has been remembered in the Republic Day parade.
The Prime Minister noted that Subhas Chandra Bose Disaster Management Awards have also been instituted.
He remarked that these initiatives are not only a mark of respect to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose but also serve as immortal sources of inspiration for youth and future generations.
PM Modi stated that honoring these ideals and drawing inspiration from them is what fills our resolve for a developed India with energy and confidence.
He stated that a weak nation finds it difficult to achieve its goals, and therefore Netaji Subhas always dreamt of a strong nation.
He remarked that in the 21st century, India too is establishing itself as a powerful and resolute nation.
PM Modi highlighted that during Operation Sindoor, India struck back by entering the homes of those who inflicted wounds on the country and destroyed them.
He emphasized that India today knows how to build power, how to manage it, and how to use power.
He said that following Netaji Subhas's vision of a strong India, the country is working to make the defense sector self-reliant.
The Prime Minister noted that earlier India was dependent only on importing weapons from abroad, but today India's defense exports have crossed Rs 23,000 crore. He added that indigenously built BrahMos and other missiles are attracting global attention.
The Prime Minister remarked that India is modernizing its armed forces with the power of self-reliance.
He highlighted that today 1.4 billion citizens are united in working towards the resolve of a developed India, a path strengthened by the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign and powered by the mantra of Swadeshi.
He expressed confidence that the inspiration of Parakram Diwas will continue to give strength to this journey of a developed India.